Cultured allogenic keratinocytes for extensive burns: A retrospective study over 15 years

The aim was to review the use and indications of cultured allogenic keratinocytes (CAlloK) in extensive burns and their efficiency.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study comprised 15 years (1997–2012). Inclusion criteria: all patients who received CAlloK. Exclusion criteria: patients who died before complete healing. Evaluation criteria were clinical. Time and success of wound healing after CAlloK use were evaluated.ResultsThe CAlloK were used for 2 indications – STSG donor sites and deep 2nd degree burns in extensively burned patients. A total of 70 patients were included with severity Baux score of 99.2 (from 51 to 144) and mean percentage of TBSA of 63.49% (from 21 to 96%).Fifty nine patients received CAlloK for STSG donor sites with a mean number of applications of 4 and mean surface of 3800 cm2 per patient. Treated donor sites were re-harvested 2.5 times. The mean time of complete epithelialization was 7 days.In 11 patients, CAlloK were used for deep 2nd degree burns. The mean percentage of burned surface was 73.7%. The mean surface of CAlloK per patient was 2545 cm2. Complete healing was achieved in 6.4 days.ConclusionThe CAlloK allow rapid healing of STSG donor-sites and deep 2nd second degree burns in extensively burned patients.